Graduate Music Admissions

Admission into the institution does not assure admission into the music program. In addition to general university guidelines for admission to the master’s program through the Graduate School, the following requirements apply to the master of music degree:

Candidates must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college with a major in music or its equivalent.

Acceptance into a specific major field will require an evaluation of a candidate’s ability conducted by a committee of three faculty members, two of whom will be from the particular major field. Normally one of these two will serve as the candidate’s graduate advisor, and the committee as a whole may serve as the candidate’s graduate committee.

In addition, non-performance majors must also demonstrate a level of musicianship equal to what would be considered appropriate for 300-level study. Students may demonstrate this level of musicianship in several ways, appropriate to the desired degree program or deemed appropriate by the evaluating committee after consultation with the student. Examples include, but are not limited to, a performance audition in an applied area or conducting (live or taped), a videotape or audiotape of a performance directed by the applicant, or a videotape of a music lesson or class taught by the applicant.

For admission requirements to each field, see section one in each field entry under specific requirements for major fields.

Students may elect to take the diagnostic exams in Theory and/or History. If the student earns a grade of “Pass” in either test, general program requirements will be reduced by 3 credits in the respective area. These exams must be taken by the end of the first week of residency.

Contact the specific Program Advisor for the degree program of interest. They will provide you with the area specific information you need as well as your particular audition or admission requirements. Find Program Advisors here.

If desired (not required) complete the Graduate Assistant application by March 1, 2019. To be considered for a position. Find the form here.

Please note that all application materials must be sent to the CWU Graduate Studies Office. Once your file is complete and evaluated by the Office of Graduate Studies, the Music Department will be sent materials for admission and/or assistantships consideration.

DO NOT SEND UNIVERSITY APPLICATION MATERIALS TO THE MUSIC DEPARTMENT.

CWU Music Department Specific Steps for Graduate Admissions

Once a prospective graduate student submits completed university applications to the CWU Office of Graduate Studies, then a complete audition/interview process with CWU Music Department should be set up. A request for an audition/interview should go to the Program Adviser of the desired degree program. Results of the audition/interview are gathered and brought into the evaluation process.

The CWU Music Department Graduate Committee receives completed university application materials from the CWU Office of Graduate Studies, reviews these materials and the music audition/interview results, in consultation with appropriate faculty.

Once all application materials are complete, a decision on acceptance for admission is made, preferably before April 1, but in some cases can be extended into May or June.

Additional consideration is made for Graduate Assistant applications, attempting to match capabilities with possible duties. This process can take longer, but decisions are made as soon as possible, based upon the qualifications of the applicant and department needs. Frequently, these decisions are finalized by April, but may continue until positions are filled.

COMPOSITIONAdmission to this program will be based upon an evaluation of appropriate compositions submitted by the student directly to the Program Advisor, Martin Kennedy.

CONDUCTINGAdmission to this program will require evaluation by graduate conducting faculty. Evidence of an appropriate level of musicianship must be satisfied in one of the following ways:

A live performance or conducting audition

A videotape/DVD of a performance of a performance and/or rehearsal directed by the applicant

Other evidence deemed appropriate in consultation with the evaluating committee.

The program will require a minimum one-year residency prior to graduation. Candidates must indicate a specialization in Wind Band, Orchestra, or Choral conducting. If accepted, students will work under the direct supervision of one of the three conductors of the major performance ensembles Nikolas Caoile - Orchestra,Lewis Norfleet - Wind Ensemble, or Gary Weidenaar - Choir, during each quarter of their residence.

It is highly recommended that interested applicants begin the process of applying for admission to the university and department a full year before the quarter of anticipated enrollment. Review of applications begins as soon as they are complete and officially received by the Office of Graduate Studies. The Music Department does not receive any application materials for admission or assistantships from the Office of Graduate Studies until files for admission or assistantships are deemed complete by same. DO NOT SEND UNIVERSITY APPLICATION MATERIALS TO THE MUSIC DEPARTMENT.

Interviews and auditions with CWU music faculty may be arranged at any time, but it is recommended that initial contact be made by November, with plans for interviews and auditions beginning in mid to late January, particularly if one is applying for a Graduate Assistantship. Once again, Program Advisers or the Graduate Coordinator will prove helpful in informing students of timelines, deadlines, etc.

Here is a suggested timeline, for example, to apply for admission for a graduate degree in music, beginning in Fall 2019.

In Fall 2018, make contact with the appropriate Program adviser (see above).

Obtain and complete application for admission via the CWU Office of Graduate Studies.

If interested in a Graduate Assistantship, obtain and complete CWU Assistantship Application Form from the Office of Graduate Studies by February 15 and submit by March 1.

In December or early January, schedule an audition or interview with the appropriate Program Advisor. Discuss submission of additional materials listed under "Specific Requirements for Admission" above with the Program Advisors.

In January, come to the CWU campus for scheduled audition/interview. Recorded performances, etc. (CD or DVD) are acceptable, but in-person auditions/interviews are highly desirable. While on campus, make sure application is complete for university and for department.